My Thoughts And Prayers Are In Arizona

My heart breaks for the
six people killed by gunman Jared Loughner at the "Congress On Your Corner" event held in Tucson, AZ, featuring U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was also shot by Loughner and is now fighting for her life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those lost, especially those closest to victim, 9-year-old
Christina-Taylor Green.

She was a straight “A” student, president of her student council and had aspirations to be in politics. Her civic-mindedness is what led Green to Giffords’ event. It’s hard to understand why a young life so full of promise was stolen from this little girl from such a senseless act of violence, but I believe this little girl will serve as an inspiration for many.

Of course, in the face of disaster and tragedy, heroes are made. Heroes like 74-year-old retired Army Col. Bill Badger who tackled Loughner, and 61-year-old Patricia Maisch who grabbed a second magazine out of his hand when Loughner was trying to reload his gun. These brave individuals undoubtedly saved many lives.

Unfortunately it takes devastating news like this one for our patriotism to shine the brightest. I’m proud of the Americans who took action to stop further violence from occurring at the event, and I mourn for the lives lost. Let’s all take a moment to reflect on this before we continue our day.